COMPUTER 'SCOPE AIDS IN SCANNING SKIES.

Byline: Sharon Cotal Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - By encouraging 23 of its members to join the International Dark-Sky Association, the Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita recently won a computer-controlled telescope donated by Meade Instruments Corp.

The Meade ETX125 arrived in March after the club won first prize in a contest challenging local astronomy clubs to sponsor memberships in the IDA.

``We thought some of the bigger clubs would blow us away, so it was a real surprise to win, and an honor to know that we are helping the IDA with its mission,'' said Astronomy Club President Jim Mahon.

The IDA is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the nighttime environment by reducing light pollution, a term used to describe the glare from brightly lit urban areas that washes out the view of the stars. Its goal is to educate the public and policy-makers that nighttime lighting can be controlled without compromising safety or security.

``There are fewer and fewer places to go where it is truly dark,'' Mahon said.

Since it was founded in 1985, the club has relied on member-owned telescopes to support public astronomy events such as the education programs held at local schools, and the ``Star Parties'' held at Vasquez Rocks Park and the Valencia Library.

``The addition of a club telescope will allow us to help new amateur astronomers gain experience as observers, and the computer control system is very user-friendly,'' Mahon said. ``I think it has a lot of potential as a learning tool.''

After the name or number of the object selected for viewing is entered, the telescope moves itself to the correct position to see each object selected, from distant galaxies to nearby planets, Mahon said.

``It's a special attraction, especially for kids, to see something acting so alive,'' he said.

The club's Star Parties are free and open to the public. The next one will begin at sunset May 19 at Vasquez Rocks Park, 10700 W. Escondido Road, Agua Dulce. For information, call the park at [phone].

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Photo:

Jennifer Mahon, 7, left, and Devon Mayberry, 8, both of Valencia, try out a computerized computer awarded to the Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer